Predicting the Uniaxial Compressive Strength of a Limestone Exposed to High Temperatures by Point Load and Leeb Rebound Hardness Testing

The effect of exposure to high temperature on rock strength is a topic of interest in many engineering fields. In general, rock strength is known to decrease as temperature increases. The most common test used to evaluate the rock strength is the uniaxial compressive strength test (UCS). It can only be carried out in laboratory and presents some limitations in terms of the number, type and preparation of the samples. Such constrains are more evident in case of rocks from historical monuments affected by a fire, where the availability of samples is limited. There are alternatives for an indirect determination of UCS, such as the point load test (PLT), or non-destructive tests such as the Schmidt’s hammer, that can also be performed in situ. The aims of this research are: (i) measuring the effect of high temperatures and cooling methods on the strength and hardness of a limestone named Pedra de Borriol widely used in several historic buildings on the E of Spain, and (ii) studying the possibility of indirectly obtaining UCS by means of PLT and Leeb hardness tests (LHT), using Equotip type D. Limestone samples were heated to 105 (standard conditions), 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 and 900 ºC and cooled slowly (in air) and quickly (immersed in water). After that, UCS, PLT and LHT tests were performed to evaluate the changes as temperature increases. Results show decreases over 90% in UCS, of between 50 and 70% in PLT index and smaller than 60% in LHT index. Insignificant differences between cooling methods were observed, although slowly cooled samples provide slightly higher values than quickly cooled ones. The results indicate that LHT can be used to indirectly estimate UCS, providing an acceptable prediction. Research on correlating strength parameters in rocks after thermally treated is still scarce. This research novelty provides correlations to predict UCS in historic buildings if affected by a fire, from PLT and non-destructive methods such as LHT whose determination is quicker and easier.The authors acknowledge the support by Canteras Bernad SL which has generously provided samples, and Department of Geotechnical and Geological Engineering of Universitat Politècnica de València and Department of Civil Engineering of Universidad de Alicante, for its continuous support. Open Access funding provided thanks to the CRUE-CSIC agreement with Springer Nature